Week Two Previews and Predictions

While the week one action was outstanding, my week one picks sure were not. Out of the three games I picked, I went 0-2 with the Withrow-Winton Woods matchup getting cancelled due to the Warriors D-II football title game run. But it’s a new week and it’s still early which means I have plenty of time to get back on track. Included in this week’s list of games are some important, early season conference match-ups. Here are the Previews and Predictions for week two.

Last Week: 0-2

Season: 0-2

North College Hill (1-0) at Summit Country Day (0-0), Tuesday 7:30pm: The first of what should be two important match-ups for these two programs. Projected to finish 1-2 in the conference (like last season), a victory for either program will give them the upper hand in the conference race. This contest will also feature two players viewed as the leaders to win conference player of the year as well (Lorenzo Sparks, NCH #162 c/o ’18 and Xavier Johnson, Summit c/o ’18). Will NCH experience be to much for the youth of a Summit that lost 5 of there top 6 players to graduation?

Prediction: North College Hill

Deer Park (2-0) at Reading (1-1), Friday 7:30pm: Coach Steve Gentry Deer Park squad has outscored their first two opponents by a combined 224-107. Yes, you are reading that right. So, this conference match-up with the Blue Devils should provide more of a challenge for the Wildcats. But in saying that Reading is facing a team with five guys averaging double-figures, which means they will most likely try to slow the pace and limit the possessions of Deer Park. A fast pace, up and down game will favor the Wildcats with their advantage in the depth department.

Prediction: Deer Park

Withrow at Walnut Hills, Saturday 7:30pm: Like the previous match-up discussed, this is a match-up of two teams expected to finish at or near the top of there conference (Eastern Cincinnati Conference). Walnut has a strong showing in Columbus week one with a win over Richmond Heights while Withrow lost their opener to Hughes. Both teams have other games this week so hopefully both teams come in healthy and ready for what should be a fun match-up.

Prediction: Walnut Hills

Purcell Marian at Moeller, Saturday 7:30pm: What we have here is a match-up of one of the best D-I teams in the state against a D-III team trying to prove they are one of the best in the state. Moeller is loaded with talent up and down their roster, and that depth will be a big factor against a young Cavaliers team with a lot of expectations. While not settling for jumpers against the size of the Crusaders will be very important for Purcell, they must also knock down the open perimeter looks they get as well as compete on the boards.